Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous But his epic project is a stupendous, oceanfront complex in Palm Beach. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 Rinko Kikuchi is stupendous as a ballroom-dancing widow infatuated with her instructor. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 Also stupendous is the aguachile, raw Mexican shrimp served in a zingy brew of fresh lime juice and jalapeños. Cathy Chaplin, AFAR Media, 22 Jan. 2026 To proceed more or less in order, renewables are now increasingly backstopped not by fossil fuels but by batteries, which have grown cheaper at a stupendous pace. Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Cutting a ribbon, celebrating this wonderful binational relationship, and the wonderful Gordie Howe Bridge that is the new crossing linking Windsor and Detroit.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • However, while this plant is wonderful for home gardens and dinner tables, not all plants will work well as its neighbor.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • And the amazing part was that everyone in the building seemed to know that instantly.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
  • Yes, the mighty lavender—a favorite of humans and pollinators alike—is an all-year bloomer, and its amazing purple flowers will naturally scent your home daily.
    Kate Nateras, Architectural Digest, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Like many of the top execs at ESPN/ABC, Disney’s global ad sales president is a long-suffering Knicks fanatic, and her team’s astonishing comeback has placed them within arm’s reach of their first title in 53 years.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 11 June 2026
  • Unfortunately and with frankly astonishing frequency, Mercedes chose poorly for this little sedan, over and over again.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • One win away from defeating the San Antonio Spurs to win the 2026 NBA Finals after a miraculous comeback on Wednesday.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
  • Emmet Truesdale enrolls in a clinical trial for a new weight loss product and, while the results are miraculous, the side effects are nothing short of horrifying.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Since then, the number of visitors to Huangshan — known as the most marvelous mountain in China — has only grown, surpassing 5 million for the first time last year.
    Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 7 June 2026
  • Then head inside on the second floor rotunda to see the marvelous California history mural and the breathtaking globe chandelier.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • This is for the incredible army of women that surround and uplift me.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • Much like Sabitzer, Irvine does not put up incredible statistics, but is vital to the team functioning on the pitch.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • The discovery is so surprising because even though AGNs are rich with gas and dust — the building blocks of planets — the turbulent conditions within the disks wouldn't generally be considered ideal for forming planets.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 June 2026
  • Netflix has yet to renew the show for a second season, which is at least a little bit surprising.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The daring attack, a symbol of Ukraine's innovative drone efforts reminiscent of that stunning operation last year in which Ukraine hid drones in shipping trucks, releasing them deep in Russia and striking military airfields.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 June 2026
  • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s stunning 2018 defeat of Representative Joe Crowley, a Queens party boss and member of the Democratic House leadership, catapulted her to international fame.
    Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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